Madison: Register early for Dragon Boat Regatta

It's not too early to register for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce's fifth annual Dragon Boat Regatta, set for May 18 at the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Chamber corporate and community teams receive an early bird discount registration of $999 through Dec. 31. After that it increases to $1,200. On race day, teams of 25 race each other in 40-foot wooden boats. This year, 47 teams competed. There also is food and entertainment for families. To sign up or learn more, visit www.paddlesontherez.com.

ALSO: The mayor and Board of Aldermen last month approved the final updated comprehensive plan, keeping the Reunion's planned unit development the same, with no commercial development, fire station or public park and no changes in minimum home sizes. An earlier draft of the comprehensive plan drew opposition and complaints from residents of Reunion and nearby neighborhoods because it contained land in Reunion designed for potential commercial use, a fire station and a public park. An ad hoc committee within the city with a few members of the planning and zoning board met with homeowners about their concerns and agreed there should be no changes to the development. Future PUD amendments would have to gain approval from the zoning board and Board of Aldermen.